Midweek Catch-up with W Melbourne’s Kelly Ferguson

By Alexandra Coulton

This week we sat down with W Melbourne’s account director for MICE. We assumed there would be much more talk of cheese and traps, but we were mistaken.

What’s your main goal for this year?

At home, it’s about exploring the world with my young son and making up for lost time with our family and friends.

Career-wise, I look forward to continuing to work within the hospitality and travel industry, while we all come back to life, doing what we do best. The electric nature of the industry is on its way back!

What’s your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

I love the diversity of the industry – the people, the products, the locations, the endless possibilities.

Every day is different, and there is always the opportunity to push the boundaries to create a new experience.

How do you like to spend your free time?

My best spent time is with my family and friends, after so much time in Melbourne lockdown last year the in-person moments mean so much more.

I love trying new bars and restaurants, seeing live music and when the opportunity arises, hitting the dancefloor.

Have you managed to do any travelling since restrictions began to ease (domestic or international)?

So far only domestically to see family in Adelaide and the Gold Coast. I cannot wait to venture further very soon!

What’s your favourite travel company, besides the one you work for?

My lips are sealed, I have had the privilege of working alongside the best in the business for a number of years, I couldn’t possibly choose just one.

My personal travel guru is Rachel Quinton from Travel Associates, she can take all of my money.

If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose?

Dave Grohl, Betty White and Ru Paul.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the global pandemic hit?

Experiencing the industry band together, to support, protect, adapt and mentor each other during the pandemic was incredible.

What’s your advice for others in the travel industry on coping with the global pandemic?

My advice for anyone is to be kind and support each other, everyone has their own story and is experiencing their own challenges.

What book and/or TV show can you not get enough of lately?

Obsessed with You Can’t Ask That and Love on the Spectrum (AUS and US), both are so well done. Pose was also fantastic.

Do you have any travel goals for 2022?

Travel Goals – anywhere with sunshine, a beach and a cocktail list within reach.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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